A WHOLE host of big names and talented individuals will grace a Dee Valley event this summer.

The Llangollen Fringe has announced the acts that will headline the 23rd edition of the town festival.

Among the acts announced is Emmanuel Jal.

A former boy soldier in Sudan, Jal has triumphed against adversity to become a leading proponent of a crossover style of afrobeat and hip hop.

Having worked with and performed alongside such names as Lauren Hill and Alicia Keys, he is well known across Africa and North America, but his Fringe concert will be one of his very first in Europe.

Joining Jal at the festival will be psychedelic singer and songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, Lleuwen and band, and adventurer and film maker Bruce Parry, best known for his BBC TV series Tribe.

He will appear live in conversation and he will also screen his latest film Tawai.

There is also a welcome return for festival favourites the Dub Pistols and a debut performance for Glastonbury festival regulars Electric Swing Circus.

In addition, there is stand-up comedy, the return of Band for a Day, a ska-themes steam ride and musical canal boat trips, along with many other fringe events.

Llangollen Fringe Festival will take place from July 19-27.

Tickets for all headline shows are on sale now, as well as festival passes.

The festival passes, priced at £70, allow access to all of the main events across the 10 days.

Festival tickets, and dates and times for all concerts and events are available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk or by calling the Fringe box office on 0800 1455 779.